Safety Plan

This is a safety plan for domestic abuse victims of any age who may be abused by or afraid of their spouse/partner, boy/girlfriend, adult child, or other family members. Safety planning helps develop tools in advance of potentially dangerous situations. Choose precautions based on your situation.

Safety during an Explosive Incident
  • If an argument is coming on, try to go to an area that has access to an exit and not near hard surfaces or weapons.
  • Try to stay near a phone so you can call 911 if necessary.
  • Have an escape route in mind and visualize it.
  • Have a packed bag ready with any medications or important items. Keep it hidden, either in your own home or at a house of a trusted friend or family member.
  • Ask a neighbor to call the police if there is a disturbance in your house.
  • Devise a code word to use with your family and friends to let them know you need the police.
  • Use your instinct and judgment when assessing what action to take next.
  • Remember, you do not deserve to be hit, threatened, or verbally abused.
Safety When Preparing to Leave
  • Open a bank account in your name to establish independence.
  • Leave money, keys, and copies of important documents with someone you trust.
  • Bring any medications, prescriptions, glasses, hearing aids or other assistive devices you may need.
  • Keep the domestic abuse program number nearby and keep your cell phone nearby.
  • Review your safety plan to prepare the safest way to leave.
  • Leaving can be the dangerous time.
Safety in Your Own Home (if the abuser does not live with you)
  • Change the locks on your doors, secure your windows, install, or increase outside lighting
  • If dependents are living with you, discuss a safety plan when leaving without them and inform their school about who has permission to pick them up
  • Inform neighbors and property owners to call the police if they see the abuser near your home.
Safety with a Restraining Order
  • Always keep your restraining order with you. If lost or destroyed, get another copy from the County Clerk of Courts office.
  • Call the police if the order is violated.
  • Think of an alternative way to be safe if the police do not respond right away.
  • Inform family, friends, teachers, and neighbors that you have a restraining order in effect.
Consider Taking the Following Items
  • Identification
  • Birth certificates
  • Money, checkbook, credit cards, and ATM cards
  • Social security card, passport
  • Divorce and custody papers
  • Insurance papers